Ruth Asawa remembered as Apple reconsiders fountain plan

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By ABC7 Archive

SAN FRANCISCO

A Taiko ensemble from the school named in her honor opened the tribute to Ruth Asawa in Golden Gate Park Tuesday. Family and friends gathered to celebrate the world famous San Francisco sculptor who died earlier this month at the age of 87.

"She was a nice person; she worked hard on her art and she never like to rest," Asawa's grandson Avery Lanier said.

Now, those who loved her are resting a bit more easily. There appears to have been a change in plans for one of Asawa's most famous works, the bronze fountain on Stockton Street.

Apple is taking over the space next door and early plans for the space did not include the fountain. But the most recent renderings of the new Union Square store now include the iconic art piece.

"Maybe it's that the people who made the decision weren't from here; they wouldn't possibly know they struck to the core of who we are as San Franciscans with all that Ruth Asawa represents," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a fan and friend of Asawa's said.

For its part, Apple isn't saying much about its apparent change of heart regarding the Asawa fountain, only confirming that, "Our latest design includes a store with more natural light and a plaza on Stockton Street including the fountain designed by Ruth Asawa just a few feet from its current location."

City Planning Commissioner Mike Antonini says the proposed Apple store has at least three reviews to go through and calls the decision a step in the right direction.

"I think it makes it more possible for them to get approval and also deal with the public reaction to it," he said.